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About the LAMP Fellowship

The Legislative Assistants to Members of Parliament (LAMP) Fellowship is a unique and an exciting opportunity for young Indians to learn law-making and public policy. LAMP Fellows are mentored by a Member of Parliament (MP) and work full-time with the assigned MP during a given year, starting from the Monsoon session of Parliament till the end of the Budget session. The primary role of a LAMP Fellow is to provide extensive research support to her/his MP for their parliamentary work. This includes drafting parliamentary questions for the MP, preparing the MP's speeches for zero hour debates, raising matters of public importance, drafting private members' bills etc.

When Parliament is not in session, LAMP Fellows engage with policy makers, experts from various think-tanks, academicians from several leading universities, and leaders from diverse public policy institutions through participation in workshops on important policy and development issues. LAMP Fellows also participate in field visits during the inter-session period for a practical exposure to governance at the ground level.

Meet our Fellows

Rahul Mohan

Educational(Graduation) : B.Tech- EEE,VIT University

A deep-rooted desire for being a proponent of Systemic change, led me to pursue the LAMP Fellowship. Imbued with multifarious channels of engagement, the fellowship provides an unparalleled platform which moulds opinionated citizens into proactive policy practitioners. Facilitating an understanding of the dynamics between power(representation) and accountability(responsibility) engenders respect for our democratic setup. Discernment of the scope for individual expression(of Member of Parliaments) within a widening yet circumscribed political ideology, helps one ascertain the limitations of our legislative framework, necessitating a search for innovative interventions. Finally, an opportunity to unravel the intricacies of policy formulations, which when knit into the political fabric, drive societal transformation, forms the cornerstone of this esteemed endeavour.

Aashna Mehra

I have two passions in life: renewable energy and Indian politics. I spent the last 2 years of college making (and blowing up) batteries in lab so I thought it was time to transition to a less hazardous profession that I would still enjoy. When the opportunity to be a LAMP Fellow presented itself, I knew it was something I couldn’t pass up. As someone who is incredibly ambitious and hopes to start her own business in the Indian renewable energy space one day, I knew understanding policy, and how it is made, was crucial simply because of the symbiotic relationship that exists between the energy industry and government policy. The Fellowship affords you the ability not just to observe and understand the process, but also actively engage in it. There was also the allure of an indefinite supply of momos and gol gappas at home that was slightly hard to come by in good ol’ suburban New Jersey. So, in a nutshell, that was pretty much why I decided to do the Fellowship!.

Mahesh Talreja

Ever since our childhood days, we would invariably employ it in our essays, examine it in oral communications, discussion and hear in news that ‘India is a developing country’. A question would always come to my mind that what differentiates developing nation from a developed nation? Right after my graduation in Civil Engineering in 2014, I started to hunt down opportunities in the development sector that could integrate my interest of nation building while allowing me to discharge my organizational responsibilities; LAMP Fellowship provides astonishing opportunity to , Work with a Member of Parliament. At the age of 21, and looking to study policy and polity ahead to make a tangible difference to our society, this would be the best exposure as this fellowship will ensure that I grasp strong understanding of a plethora of issues that come under governance and politics.

Ananta Sharma

Educational(Graduation) : B.A. LL.B.(Hons),Chanakya National Law University

There is a sense of purpose and satisfaction involved when one is working for the well being of others. The LAMP fellowship is a unique opportunity which not only gives a deeper insight into the legislative process, but also empowers the youth to actively participate in various policy formulations and development issues concerning the country and thereby becoming a change agent of the society. The very fact that my research maybe instrumental in shaping lives of many was the single most driving force for me towards pursuing the fellowship. Moreover the chance to work with a Member of Parliament and to engage with policy makers and experts from diverse sectors will eventually hone my skills as a lawyer and help me grow professionally to a great extent. I feel extremely fortunate to have embarked on this journey

Lakkaraju Anurag

Educational(Graduation) : B.Sc in Economics,Symbiosis School of Economics

LAMP Fellowship is a one of a kind opportunity to be able to directly work with a Member of Parliament who shall be your friend, philosopher and guide, apart from being a hard taskmaster. There is immense happiness and satisfaction which can be derived from the simple fact that my work during the Fellowship is going to have an impact, not wholly but meaningfully on the kind of legislation being made to govern our huge nation. I aspire to be a civil servant in the future and the Fellowship is the best possible learning experience I could have had in terms of getting to know how our system functions by observing it first-hand. The range of subjects that I have to research on every week and their multi-disciplinary nature help me look at the 'Big Picture' than issues in isolation. The Fellowship also brings together a like-minded group of people which leads to the formation of an amazing and strong peer network.

Rohit Kumar

Educational(Graduation) : BA in Journalism and Mass Communication with Management Minors,Lovely Professional University

Having studied Journalism and then getting exposed to the issues while my internship with various newspapers, I realised that it is important to understand what is the core of all these problems. Comprehending how processes work in the highest institution of legislation and how much MPs are connected to their constituency helps see the problems from a completely different perspective. This was the idea behind joining this fellowship as most of the time people practicing journalism are accused of writing biased pieces and having an exposure to the other side can help bring in fresh angle to present those stories.

Jayraj Pandya

Educational(Graduation) : B.Com,H.L. Institute of Commerce

Education(Post-Graduation) : L.L.B.

I possess profound interest in the field of policy and polity of the country. As a consequence, LAMP Fellowship was a natural choice following my previous work experience at The Hindu Business Line, Gujarat Chief Minister’s Office and as a Researcher for Dr.Kalam’s final bestseller ‘Reignited’. LAMP Fellowship provides a platform for gaining insight into the field of parliamentary research in India. As a LAMP Fellow, one can understand the nitty-gritties in policy making. This Fellowship provides an invaluable opportunity to interact with a Member of Parliament (MP) and to learn the intricacies of policy formulation and working of the parliament in the country. For me, it is an opportunity to live my dream of making this country a better place to live. LAMP Fellowship will add substantial value when I go on to pursue Masters in Public Policy.

Deepshikha Maheshwari

After completing my engineering in 2013, I joined an investment bank where I worked as an analyst for around 2 years. At the start of second year at the bank, the thought of trying something different and dynamic started germinating in my mind. In the process of finding “something different”, I chanced upon “LAMP fellowship”. I instantly liked the idea of getting to work with an MP on legislative and policy matters. The fellowship provides an opportunity to help me discover my areas of interest. Through LAMP, I get to interact with and learn from policy makers and experts from myriad sectors, thus, helping me understand the nuances of policy making. This fellowship is a great starting point to be involved in policy making, and one gets to experience the Indian political environment first hand.

Nidhi Tambi

Education(Post-Graduation) : MSc in Development Studies,School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London

My education (B.A History Hons. and MSc Development Studies) has helped me constantly engage in political debates and enhance my understanding on the role of India and its domestic policies within the larger global polity. On the other hand, work with various grassroots communities and organisations in Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Cairo and Delhi has helped me analyse the impact of legislations on the target population. However, a major chunk of my understanding is still based on academic papers and grassroots experiences (bottom-top). Through the fellowship l, I wish to learn about the top-bottom procedures of legislation and their implementation. I want to comprehend how national and constituency related issues are discussed, deliberated and resolved within the Parliament. The Fellowship will also give me a deeper understanding of the economic and social preferences of the new government, which is shrouded in controversies. 'Development' is a phenomenon that has to be understood both from a policy/governance level and from the grassroots level. I want to look at the broader picture of 'development'. The LAMP Fellowship will also help me explore career opportunities in socio-political research and advocacy.

Pratik Mahapatra

Science and Technology have always been mankind’s friend. And similar kinship has been shown towards citizens through good governance. I have always wondered, what if the two went exactly hand in hand. ?? Being a science and technology student and a keen entrepreneurial mind, I always believe in policies with technological thought. Such policies will have considerable capacity to make changes in the lives of citizens. The bent for this policy making and an aspiration to learn and help legislative wing of the country was my inspiration to join the fellowship. To see country’s growth and development, and to be the part of change is– The LAMP Fellowship for me.

Niharika Bhatia

Educational(Graduation) : Bachelor of Business Administration,L.J. Institute of Business Administration

Education(Post-Graduation) : Post Graduate Diploma in Development Studies,Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India

I got a taste of Public Policy, its enormous role and impact in the first couple of months of my post-grad in Development Studies, where the development issues were tackled from various fronts. By the end of the course, I decided to apply for one of the most prestigious fellowships in the country, to realize and explore my interests and learn the nuances of dealing with people. I wanted to broaden my horizons, look at systems and analyze scenarios and engage in multiple perspectives. I was certain that this will provide me with deep insights into some of the toughest problems, the vast reaches of the legislative framework of our country, the tact of governance and the simplicity of fellow people.

Nibu Pullamvilavil

Through the LAMP Fellowship, I hope to obtain a wider view of our decision making process. It would give me a chance to get up close and personal with the complex political reality that currently exists in our country and thereby help me obtain a complete understanding. Over the last few years I have ardently followed public policy and was hoping that my time as a fellow would help me understand various theoretical concepts through practical insights. I would also be able to better understand the hurdles that a Member of Parliament faces while trying to formulate public policy.

Sumedha Jalote

Educational(Graduation) : Bachelor of Science (High Merit) in Economics - second major in Political Science,Singapore Management University

After studying Political Science and working in an NGO for two years, I wanted to get a better understanding of how social issues can be tackled from a legislative and governance perspective. This Fellowship is a great opportunity to learn about the policy and legislative world in India from the inside. Working closely with a Member of Parliament gives me a unique chance to understand the workings of India’s Parliament and political world, and how research can play a part in helping.

Rishab Garg

Educational(Graduation) : Bachelor of Laws (Hons.),Amity Law School

Education(Post-Graduation) : Master of Laws,The London School of Economics & Political Science

Since, my days in High School, I was intrigued by the nuances and intricacies involved in the process of legislative policymaking. In pursuance to such interest, I choose to study law, wherein I extensively read & researched on the process of legislative decision-making & the impact that such decisions can make on the rights of the people. Thereafter, to nurture my amateur talent in Law and Policymaking, I pursued a specialized Masters degree in Law from LSE. There, I specifically focused on modules pertaining to Comparative Constitutional Institutions & Rights, & Criminal Justice Policy. Despite, such academic experience, I was not able to directly associate with the process of legislative policymaking. Hence, LAMP Fellowship, offered me a unique platform to learn the skill of policymaking under the tutelage of our highly qualified & experienced MP’s. Through this fellowship, I have not only touched upon variety of subjects involved in legislative policymaking but also contributed towards good governance.

Akshara Baru.

Educational(Graduation) : BBA LLB,Symbiosis International University

As a student of law, interested in public policy, I was looking for an opportunity to understand the nitty gritties of the field and gain firsthand experience. LAMP provides such an opportunity, and the work enables the understanding of the various dynamics that go into policy formulation, from the perspective of a policy maker. The fellowship involves working in close quarters and regularly interacting with experts in field, which helps gather practical insights for a deeper understanding of the various issues existing in the system. Through internships during my college life, I attempted to work on different topics at the intersection of law and policy, and I believe that LAMP fellowship will provide an opportunity to understand the underlying synergy between these various subjects. It is an excellent investment for someone hoping to study and work in hard core policy as the experience will help hone analytical skills and look at policy from a broader yet, more nuanced perspective. I wish to undertake a formal academic study of Public Policy in the future and I believe that this experience will definitely provide an invaluable platform for it.

Sanyam Dugar

The Legislative Assistant to Member of Parliament Fellowship is an amazing opportunity to contribute towards nation-building by aiding a Member of Parliament in holding the Government accountable, in policy-making at Parliament, and through people-oriented development at the constituency. Understanding how our democracy truly functions, being mentored by a parliamentarian through the year, and knowing that what you work on actually makes a difference (however small, however large) in people’s lives is a self-fulfilling experience that gives you the courage to continue pursuing good. Having done my Bachelors in Economics at St. Xavier’s College, Calcutta, I’ll be heading to the London School of Economics and Political Science for an MSc in Economics right after the Fellowship. Thank you PRS!

Mukesh Kumar

During the years of graduation as a student of textile technology I became interested in the economics and Policy making. Being a lamp fellow is a great opportunity to work directly with policy makers of India in order to change the life of ordinary citizen towards betterment. The fellowship gives me opportunity to understand the working of parliament, discussion & debates related to policies, matter of urgent public importance etc. It is giving me very close look of the decision making at top levels. The working on different sectors from Urban Planning, Global warming, Renewable energy, Agriculture, law, Infrastructure development etc. pushes me to understand the importance of each sector in more pragmatic manner. The fellowship is unique in a sense that every day it gives an amazing opportunity to learn something new from the ancient history to the planning for next upcoming centuries.

Jai Vipra

Educational(Graduation) : BA Economics (Major),Jai Hind College

I have wanted to work in public policy ever since I started studying Economics, and I had to choose between legislative policy work and development work on the ground. The LAMP Fellowship is the perfect programme to help me make that choice. It helps me get a sense of how the legislative process works, the interventions that are possible through Parliament and how best they can be used, and how different stakeholders’ interests are incorporated into a single policy. It has also allowed me to explore very diverse policy areas and has made me comfortable with sectors that were completely alien to me before the fellowship. The fellowship presents varied topics of study and a diverse and extremely talented peer group from whom I learn every day.

Simar Singh

The idea to join LAMP fellowship was embedded deep inside me from the very initial years of the law school. I interned under practising advocates and saw the interpretation of statutes by Court in delivering justice to common people. I always used to wonder how this “Law” which is governing and controlling almost every sphere of our life advents. We get a multitude of excellent parliamentarians with great knowledge about the practical problems of our country, but due to lack of research and other modern technology support, the quality of their work gets affected. I always wanted to contribute my knowledge to assist these great individuals for our country. LAMP fellowship not only fulfils these objectives, but as a student gives me the opportunity to learn the theoretical and practical aspects of our nation and its working in a holistic manner.

Pratik Kumar

My experience as a volunteer of NSS during my college days has always motivated to pursue career in the development sector of the country. Owing to this motivation, I joined LAMP fellowship after working in an IT company for a year as I felt that the development of a nation is significantly driven by its public policies. This fellowship provides a unique opportunity to both learn about existing policies and also contribute towards the framing of newer ones. Every day brings a different experience for me, especially during parliament sessions. Being an engineer, it’s challenging for me to perform an extensive and meaningful research on issues related to finance, defence, agriculture in a short span of time but such a dynamic nature of work is the best part about this fellowship. Also, the diversity among the fellows in terms of their academic backgrounds and hence perspectives helps analyzing issues in every minute to broader ways, which itself is a learning opportunity for me. The discussion among us gives me better insights into various matters.

Shruti Gupta

Educational(Graduation) : B.Com (Hons.),Jesus and Mary College, University of Delhi

The process of policy formation and implementation has always been a subject of interest to me- the resonating impact that a policy has on a large portion of the population, the due considerations undertaken to make it beneficial for the majority and the implementation procedure to ensure that desired results are achieved. The LAMP Fellowship provided me with the perfect platform to translate this dormant interest of mine into prospects to make a difference. Working with my MP has provided me with an in-depth knowledge about Parliament and its proceedings as well as understanding rudimentary problems plaguing our society. LAMP is a perfect blend of learning, exposure and infinite opportunities.

Anil Pulickel

Educational(Graduation) : B.A., LL.B. (Hons.),National Law School of India University

My primary motivation in applying for the LAMP fellowship was the realistic insight into the world of policy-making that it offered. During my time in law school, I had acutely realised how a lawmaker could play a crucial role in shaping a nation’s future. This convinced me of the value of providing assistance on legislative and policy matters to a Member of Parliament. It excited me to understand that as a LAMP, I would be able to contribute to the pursuit of better policies. I was also attracted to the fellowship because of the realisation that I could gain valuable knowledge and experience through it. The prospect of developing my research, communication and analytical skills while working on some of the most pressing issues India faced was something that truly appealed to me.

Priyesh Mishra

Educational(Graduation) : B.A. LL.B (H),Amity Law School

Gargee Sarkhot

I always have had keen interest in politics and governance, thus, wanted to understand the process and complexities from the 'other' side. Working with a Member of Parliament gives an insight into the policy making process and immense exposure to various sectors. I'm sure that the experience of LAMP fellowship will help me while pursuing a career in public sphere in future.

Manik Pasricha

Educational(Graduation) : Bachelor Of Technology, IIT Delhi

Devanshu Sood

Educational(Graduation) : Bachelors of Business Studies,Shaheed Sukhdev College of Business Studies, University of Delhi

My interest in Geopolitics, Policy and Current affairs has shaped my academic and professional pursuits. I graduated in Business Studies, specializing in Finance, and aspire to work in the field of International Relations based on International Economic interactions. I feel that a nuanced understanding of governments and institutions of state that steer foreign policy is critical to further study in this field. Freshly out of college, the LAMP fellowship presented me with the opportunity to interact with leaders and policymakers, and also to be mentored by one. This unique and useful learning experience, at this stage, offers just the right platform to understand the political and democratic system, engage with it and simultaneously contribute to it in a constructive manner. The wide variety of issues and public policy matters at multiple levels offers the opportunity to explore and enhance one’s learning manifold, something that a classroom learning experience cannot provide.

Griva Shah

Ishita Trivedi

Education(Post-Graduation) : MA in Public Policy, O.P. Jindal Global University

Exposed primarily to the issues and deliberations brought to my dining room by prime-time TV news channels, like most, I too am constrained by my own identity- that of being an urban, middle class woman. The LAMP fellowship presented me with an unrivalled opportunity to understand the larger deliberations that shape India, and be a part of them too. PRS’ impeccable reputation and good rapport with MPs allows fellows to get instant access to work and responsibilities that any MP would otherwise think twice to assign to a novice in a political office. For any aspiring policy-maker, with work ahead of them that will require at least some synergy with parliamentarians, this fellowship provides a judicious proximity to the system that allows you to be a little less cynical, and considerably more informed of our polity by the end of an year.

Zerin Osho

Educational(Graduation) : BBA LL.B (Hons.),Amity Law School

My career so far has provided me an insight into understanding the nuances of public policy making and negotiations as also the impact of historical events on policy making. Time is ripe therefore for me to gain more exposure in the domestic public policy. I believe that working with a Member of the Parliament would allow me to observe from close quarters, political policy formulations, challenges posed by constituency governance and the essential elements that go into the legislative process. This experience into the political landscape is crucial for my academic study, as well as a potential political career.

Nagarajan Chandru

I have always been of the firm view and opinion that there is nothing in this country that cannot be changed through good policy making and effective implementation of the same.My obsession with politics and parliament is largely due to exposure to Parliamentary Debating at college. There was a lot that I wanted to learn about the way this country is run. Political discourse as we know it is widely perceived to be negative, largely due to the actions of our politicians and even more because of the role played by the media. I therefore considered the fellowship to gain knowledge and understanding about the other side of the coin. I felt it would help me view things from the other end of the spectrum. Politics as a profession is something that I hoping to take up in the future and I see this fellowship taking one step closer to that.

Sonali Banerjee

Educational(Graduation) : Bachelor in Financial and Investment Analysis,Shaheed Sukhdev College of Business Studies

I joined the fellowship because I wanted to demystify the policy making process and bridge the gap between what I had studied about politics and how it actually works on ground. Hearing news,reading newspapers and confining ourselves to discussions in classroom was one thing. But to see, observe and learn from the policy makers themselves and to be able to impact policy with your research was a very appealing idea when I first thought of applying.

Annu Itty

Educational(Graduation) : BSc Statistics, St.Xaviers College

Upon graduating from college, I was faced with the prospect of choosing between a corporate job and prestigious LAMP fellowship. With no hesitation whatsoever, I chose the fellowship because I knew that this was a once-in-a life time opportunity which will help me in any career that I hope to take up in the future. Almost three months into this experience, I am certain that i did indeed make the right choice. There is a lot more to the working of a government than what meets the eye. And to be able to understand them all - the functioning of the parliament, what it's like to be an MP and more importantly, the various issues that plague the country and solutions for the same – is rather enlightening. With the parliament in session, every day is a new experience, filled with drama and excitement. The work I do varies from making briefs on bills, researching issues that interest my MP and preparing for meetings. I hope to enjoy and learn as much as I can from my MP in the coming months.

Shivam Singh

Educational(Graduation) : BSc in Economics, University of Michigan

A few months before completing my B.Sc. from the University of Michigan I realized that I have had the best opportunities, even though there are people across India who have worked harder, and are more deserving. This realization inspired me to work hard to improve the lives of those who are less fortunate solely due to an accident of birth. Even though private organizations can do tremendous work, I believe the best tool for enacting lasting change is the government. Therefore I want to work with the government in a capacity that enables me to impact policy making. The LAMP fellowship is an excellent opportunity to get insight into the workings of the Indian Parliament and understand the legislative process. The engagement opportunities that the fellowship offers, with leading policy makers and experts would help me form informed opinions and evaluate solutions on complex issues that our country faces.

Anju John

I studied law in order to equip me with the knowledge and skills required to affect the lives of the people in a positive way. Following an internship at an institute for public policy, I realized the importance of well-formulated policies and the importance of the work that the legislative body of the country performs. This led me to apply for the LAMP fellowship after completing my law degree. The training for the LAMP fellowship equipped me with the necessary research skills to be of assistance to a Member of Parliament. The work itself gives me the opportunity to contribute to the MP’s work in raising issues of social relevance through questions, zero hour notices, and private member bills on the floor of the parliament. The job, thus far, has been its own reward..

Ajay Kumar

I belong to a wonderful generation living in a wonderful time. It’s 25th anniversary of the major economic reforms of 1991. In current generation, there are many people who think cynically about politicians and there are others who want to engage with them and contribute to the development of nation and society. In my quest for a way to work with the lawmakers, I landed at the LAMP Fellowship. The fellowship offers a rare and unique opportunity to witness at close quarters - and contribute to - the legislative process in India. Being a LAMP Fellow helps me learn experientially parliamentary functions, governance, public policy, research process, and decision making process behind various policies adopted by the government. It is always a satisfactory and pleasant experience to know that my work is helping an MP in his efforts to contribute to the progress of the nation. I hope, at the end of the day, when somebody cynically asks what MPs do, I will be able to answer them with evidence and data, as every LAMP Fellow would love to do.

Tanya Kak

A Member of Parliament doesn't come with a job description and neither does a LAMP fellow. No two days have ever been same in fellowship. Every day you come across new challenges, get to research and analyse different domestic and international topics of public importance and just when you thought, you knew it all, there comes a new topic! To give an insight, I started today researching on issues regarding properties managed by External Affairs ministry, switched over to Germany’s initiatives akin to India to give arguments for boosting investments here and ended by figuring out step by step process on availing farmer schemes of Himachal. Somewhere between Standing committee reports, government schemes/initiatives and news articles; an individual not only gets to understand but also helps in functioning of world's largest democracy in its small way and that is why LAMP is different!

Aashika Aggarwal

LAMP happened to me when I was really stuck up in life, whether to do a 9-6 job/pursue my masters or let myself open and explore and learn new skills. I chose LAMP fellowship because of its exclusivity and one of its kind experiences it was offering. Everybody is not fortunate enough to work in the Lutyen’s Delhi and I felt amused by the mere thought. My real purpose unlike others for joining LAMP was to come out of my comfort zone, I have been dwelling in for years. Coming from a commerce background, not really acquainted with the term ’Research’ ,I knew, upcoming fellowship days were not going to be easy for me. I really will have to push myself through things I’ve never done before. I always participated in group discussions, debates but never really got a chance to understand nitty gritties of a subject. I wanted to enhance my knowledge and build my perception on various national and international subjects and getting a chance to do that under the guidance of a parliamentarian was a cherry on the cake! After being into the fellowship for a couple of months, one thing I have realized for sure, that it is very easy to criticize politicians and bureaucrats over a cup of tea but it is extremely difficult to be out there, face the daily hassles and run the country with the best of your abilities. Waiting for lot more myths to be busted, probably for the good!.

Prateek Sibal

Educational(Graduation) : Bachelor of Technology in Mechanical Engineering., VIT University

LAMP Fellowship gives us a close look at the Legislative process of the country and how it is simply not what we see or read in newspapers and TV. Moreover working with an MP gives us exposure to constituency development, implementation of government schemes and programs. Though the most exciting part of the fellowship is that everyday there is a new challenge and a new territory to navigate. It is an infinitely interesting ecosystem to work in

Abhishek Ranjan

Age : 24

Educational(Graduation) : BE in Instrumentation & Control Engineering, Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal

Learning is a continuous and never ending process. LAMP Fellowship has provided me that platform to learn in a broad, exhaustive and comprehensive manner. It gave me an opportunity to work closely with an elected representative which is unique. In the process, I wanted to explore the domain of public policy and governance. As a part of this fellowship, being a catalyst for parliamentary functioning is challenging and exciting too. After 3 years of Graduation, LAMP brought me back into interactive learning again with more diverse and ambitious peer group. The exchange of diverse and differing ideas among fellows adds multi dimensionality to our knowledge. From being a Control & Instrumentation Engineer to the new role of Legislative Assistant, life at this juncture has presented me with satisfaction and happiness in my work. I am looking forward to this journey with high hopes and being inspired by life.

Chinmay Deshmukh

This fellowship is something I wanted to pursue because the opportunity it provides is exactly the one I was looking for. Being a LAMP fellow has given me a platform to interact with legislators at a personal level, and has helped me broaden and deepen my understanding of the fundamentals of policy research and the complex parliamentary procedures. It has also helped me hone my problem solving skills and allowed me to constantly learn something new about public policy. I am also planning to pursue Master of Public Policy after the fellowship and eventually work for a policy research organisation and I believe the experience of the fellowship will help me achieve that goal.

Vipin Sirigiri

Educational(Graduation) : B.E.(Hons) Civil Engineering,BITS Pilani

Arjun Yadav

Educational(Graduation) : B. Tech in Chemical Engineering, IIT Delhi

After completing my engineering graduation I worked in corporate sector for two years. My interest in policy issues and my decision to take up this fellowship is the outcome of my profound interest in rural India. Being from a village, I understand the problems faced by the rural society in most parts of India and hence wanted to contribute in the deliberations of rural policy formulation. This post will help me understand the background of policies and I would be able to contribute and learn at the same time.

Santwana Dwivedy

Educational(Graduation) : B.A.LLB(Hons.) in Law, National Law University Odisha

As a law student, while reading the legislations, I was always curious about the ‘Legislative Intent’ which is so often quoted by the judiciary while interpreting a particular law. In order to decipher the intent of the law, one needs to look at the larger political and social issues, the debates surrounding these problems and a solution for all these issues - which form the crux of the work of the Members of the Parliament. This fellowship was thus, a unique opportunity to get a first-hand experience of how a democracy runs. The LAMP fellowship also provided an excellent platform to further my research in the realm of constitutional governance and public policy by working in close association with the law makers, who are in essence, the voice of the people in our country.

Abhijit Banare

One of the valuable lessons I learnt early on was to find what you enjoy doing the most and you will automatically make a difference with your work. Due to my interest in research and legislative process, LAMP fellowship was an opportunity to enter that phase of ‘enjoying what you do’. And it is all the more satisfying to know that your work goes in to improving the quality of discourse in Parliament. Apart from research and learning opportunity by assisting the Member of Parliament, the fellowship provides enough challenges to inspire you in contributing to the growth of your country actively.

Piyush Gupta

Educational(Graduation) : BE in Electrical Engineering,Thapar University

After completing my engineering I decided to sit for the civil services but I came across this Fellowship and found it very interesting since I get a chance to work directly with a Member of Parliament. With this fellowship I have inculcated a gem in my work experience by associating directly with an MP. Being an engineer it became a norm for me to look at things technically and with logic. I found this fellowship to be a medium to use my technical skills in my interest areas of public policy and civil service. With this fellowship I hope to get the better understanding of Parliament and have a firsthand experience to work under the Indian Legislators.

Kumar RAJESH

Education(Post-Graduation) : MA in Development Studies,Tata Institute of Social Sciences

After pursuing Masters of Development Studies for a year, I realised my theoretical understanding of the subjects such as Public Policy, Development economics doesn’t have any exposure to the real policy formulation process. LAMP fellowship seemed to be the best opportunity for me to understand how government functions and how the various decisions of policy formulation are taken at a large level. Only after joining this fellowship, I came to know the enormous amount of work which our Member of Parliament does and their pivotal role in Policy formulation at large. This fellowship has given me instant access to various resources and have provided me with responsibility of work which elsewhere would have taken a long time. For the generation which I belong to, I believe LAMP Fellowship is one of a kind opportunity that can help a youth to overcome the misconceptions about the Parliamentarians and their world of Politics.

Devendra Mulay

Educational(Graduation) : BA Hons in Economics, Modern College of Arts, Science and Commerce

When I heard about the LAMP for the first time, I knew this is what I was looking for; this is what makes me stand out in the crowd and this is what I wish to do. LAMP Fellowship is place for a political enthusiast like me, as it allows working with Parliamentarians and gives a rare exposure of the Parliament’s functioning through the legislative quarters. It is a sole opportunity which enables young graduates like me to engage with the policy makers of our country. Given the unique scale of LAMP Fellowship and its proximity to Parliamentary activities, offers a vision that is truly encouraging. It is a unique way of enhancing policy making process and an excellent opportunity to get acquainted with the nuances of legislative business and apex policy making space in India. Let me confess, LAMP is indeed a tailor-made opportunity for me.

Akshay Agarwal

Educational(Graduation) : BE in Electrical and Electronics Engineering,RNS Institute of Technology

Education(Post-Graduation) : MA in Development,Azim Premji University

I have faced the question of why I decided to do this fellowship, especially considering my area of graduation. My interest in this space is due to a number of reasons, mainly being brought up in a family where politics was never left out of discussions! Another factor was my upbringing in Bangalore during its transformative stage where it ended up becoming the tech capital of the country. Despite that, I am a witness to the many problems it faces and the inability on the part of people to solve these problems. Living in Bangalore made me wonder as to how administration works. When I came across this fellowship, I thought that there’s no better way to understand this than being a part of the system we criticise so easily. The LAMP fellowship provided a window through which I could delve into how the Parliamentary system works in the country and an opportunity on contributing to this system while working with one of its members. The fellowship also is a place where I can provide research on legislations and policies in a setting outside that of a classroom. The fellowship, for me, is a stepping stone for a career in policy and public administration.

Mahadevan Nambiar

Educational(Graduation) : BABA Economics,Ramnarain Ruia College

As someone who has always has had an interest in public policy, LAMP fellowship provides me with the perfect opportunity to work on, scrutinise, advocate, understand and analyze legislation and government policy. Being in the office of a Member of Parliament is a privilege and the experience of working in one is something that is definitely unique and enriching. There has always been cynicism associated with parliament and legislators in our country. I’ve always believed that the only way to understand it is to partake in the system, the LAMP fellowship is not only offers an unparalleled learning opportunity, but can also be great place to start to make a greater change in the policy space.

Maansi Verma

Educational(Graduation) : Bachelor in Business Studies, Shaheed Sukhdev College of Business Studies, University of Delhi

Education(Post-Graduation) : LL.B., Campus Law Centre, Faculty of Law, University of Delhi

LAMP Fellowship helps bridge a gap. Youth who intend to understand the domain of policy meet Members of Parliament who are keen to mentor them, and who in turn benefit from the research support that a LAMP fellow offers. There are possibilities of innovative collaborations and mutual learning. That was the primary motivation for me to apply for this Fellowship. As a lawyer I have been trained in the legal rigours of a Parliamentary democracy. But I lacked an insider's understanding of how policies and laws get made, how issues of public importance are raised and addressed and how could I, an eager citizen, contribute to it. LAMP not only offers you that opportunity but even arms you with the necessary skills. For someone contemplating a career in policy / politics, there could be no better start.

Poornima Rajeshwar

Praveen NINAN

The relevance of an interdisciplinary approach to law and policy became apparent from my professional experiences during and after law school. With a desire to nurture the science of public policy, the Fellowship enables me to further appreciate the law-making and policy-making processes and strengthen the skills needed to tackle a diverse range of policy challenges.